Conn Syndrome is a rare disease that affects the adrenal glands, which are small triangular glands located above the kidneys, which leads to an excessive increase in the hormone aldosterone, increasing blood pressure.
The overproduction of aldosterone causes the retention of sodium in the kidneys and increases the excretion of potassium, causing the accumulation of water in the body, increasing blood pressure and increasing pH in the blood.
Conn Syndrome is curable and should be diagnosed early as it is a cause of high blood pressure problems that can lead to cardiovascular problems. The endocrinologist is the specialist doctor indicated to diagnose and indicate the treatment of this disease.
Conn Syndrome Treatment
The Conn Syndrome treatment aims to control the production of aldosterone, normalize blood pressure and balance the levels of sodium and potassium in the body.
If the overproduction of aldosterone is due to a benign or malignant tumor in the adrenal glands, the affected gland must be removed by surgery. This procedure in most cases cures the disease, but some patients may need additional treatment to control their blood pressure. Until the time of surgery, patients must take diuretics to control the levels of sodium and potassium in the body and blood pressure.
In cases where the cause of the production of aldosterone cannot be determined or when there is hyperplasia of the adrenal glands, patients should take spironolactone, which blocks the action of aldosterone, and antihypertensive drugs. In some cases, it may be necessary to take medications, such as amiloride or triamterene, to retain potassium in the kidneys.
Conn Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of Conn's Syndrome are rare and not very specific, and can be:
- Arterial hypertension; Increased urge to urinate; Very thirsty; Weakness; Fatigue; Paralysis; Palpitations; Headache; Muscle contractures; Tingling sensation.
The diagnosis of Conn's Syndrome should be made based on typical symptoms of lack of potassium in the body, such as constipation, cardiac arrhythmia or muscle spasms, and high blood pressure levels. To complete the diagnosis a blood test must be done to check the levels of the hormones aldosterone and renin. This latter hormone is produced in the kidneys and stimulates the production of aldosterone in the adrenal glands. Renin levels in Conn syndrome are usually low, while aldosterone levels are very high.
Causes of Conn's Syndrome
The main causes of Conn Syndrome are the presence of a benign tumor or cancer in one of the adrenal glands, or hyperplasia of the two adrenal glands, also called bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which leads to an increase in the size of the glands and excess hormone production. Some patients have increased aldosterone production due to genetic problems.
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